Physiological balance in the mouth is of great importance for the overall health of every woman. Similarly, as the body undergoes hormonal changes during different periods of a woman’s life (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) changes also occur in the mouth. Various hormone levels affect the gum tissues and underlying bone. These changes make gums more susceptible to periodontal disease and require special care for oral health.

During puberty the young woman’s body increases production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The natural reaction of this is increased gum sensitivity. They respond to any stimuli, food debris and plaque. So often the gums are swollen, red and bleed.

A presence of gingivitis has often been observed during the menstrual cycle of a woman. It can form sores inside the lips and cheeks, causing discomfort in the gums. This usually flares up before menstruation and symptoms reduce when it starts.

During pregnancy, a woman’s gums and teeth are affected just like all other tissues and organs. Here, however, the responsibility of mothers to maintain oral health is twice as important. The reason for this is that the presence of inflammation in the body directly affects the condition of the baby.

Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy are also a risk factor. This is because stomach acids can seriously damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. Be sure to brush your teeth after vomiting and use a suitable mouthwash. This will restore the necessary balance in the mouth.

Plaque that is not removed from the spaces between teeth can be even more dangerous during pregnancy. It contains bacteria that secrete toxins and this causes further detachment of the gums from the tooth surface. After a while, the plaque begins to accumulate more inwardly and forms a gingival pocket. This leads to swelling of the gums and they bleed easily. High levels of hormones during pregnancy can lead to the development of gingivitis. Hormonal changes during this stage interfere with the body mechanisms to respond adequately to the plaque and eliminate the inflammation caused by it.

In some cases, swollen gums during pregnancy they can react to local irritants and form characteristic lumps. Usually these growths are called pyogenic granulomas. They are benign and occur painlessly and disappear after the birth of the child.

Use of contraceptives also affects the condition of the gums. Studies show that inflammation of the gums occurs more often in women who use birth control pills. Of course, this problem may easily be neutralized by the woman if they maintain good oral hygiene.

During menopause often irreversible changes in a woman’s mouth can occur. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and bone around the teeth. It progressively decreases the gum attachment, which often leads to loss of teeth. Professional dental intervention can slow this process and can stop it to a large extent. Regular cleaning of plaque and tartar is absolutely necessary. Patients are offered alternative methods of treatment to achieve the required oral balance.